Melissa McCarthy can’t wait for us poor unfortunate souls to see her transform into a villainous purple sea witch and honestly, neither can we.
The Bridesmaids actress and comedian has been gushing about the opportunity to play Ursula in Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid since the news broke in 2020. With filming already wrapped, it’s a matter of time until the Rob Marshall film makes its way to the big screen.
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“I’m so excited to see it in its full glory,” McCarthy told Entertainment Tonight at the 27th Critic’s Choice Awards.
“Doing the Mermaid and working with [director] Rob Marshall and doing one of my favorite villains of all time was an out-of-body experience,” said McCarthy. She said she “loved every second” and cried like a baby on her last day. “I was like, ‘I don’t want to leave, I don’t want to leave, I don’t want to leave.’ So, every single part of that process was amazing and beyond.”
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Becoming Ursula
The Little Mermaid also stars Halle Bailey (Ariel), Javier Bardem (King Triton), Daveed Diggs (Sebastian), Awkwafina (Scuttle), and Jonah Hauer-King (Prince Eric). In the Heights creator Lin-Manuel Miranda is developing the film’s music. He said audiences can expect to hear their favorite classic songs, as well as a few new ones.
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McCarthy is new to the singing game and said she surprised herself while developing her Ursula voice alongside vocal coach Eric Vetro.
“I am not a singer, but I think, getting ready for Ursula, I was so surprised that I could actually, like, control my voice,” she said.
We can expect to hear McCarthy belt out at least one ballad in the film (if not more). It will be interesting to hear what direction she and Vetro decided to take with the villain’s sound.
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Ursula is not only a sea witch, she’s also a deliciously ruthless queer icon. If you haven’t heard, the character is based on real-life drag legend Divine.
The Little Mermaid won’t be swimming into theaters until 2023. However, Disney fanatics have a lot to look forward to in the upcoming months. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers, and Lightyear are also coming up this year.
